Baloon boy family sentencing

[?noanswer]

Article about baloon release. http://www.palatkadailynews.com/articles/2009/08/15/news/news01.txt


JMO

[Anakerie]

Boy Flying In Experimental Aircraft Near Milliken
http://cbs4denver.com/local/colorado.milliken.aircraft.2.1250556.html

A six-year-old boy is flying in a homemade aircraft right now over Highway 85 near Milliken. The boy has already traveled about 15 miles.

[Anakerie]

Boy Floats Away In Balloon
Frantic Search Under Way To Find Boy
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/21306839/detail.html

A 6-year-old boy is floating over northeastern Colorado in a homebuilt lighter-than-air craft and authorities are racing to try and rescue him.The craft, shaped like a UFO, covered in foil and filled with helium, lifted the boy into the air near Fort Collins Thursday morning after the boy apparently unhooking the balloon.Fort Collins police and other authorities have been alerted and Airtracker 7 has launched in an effort to locate the boy.

I sure hope they can find this little guy before something awful happens to him!

[Anakerie]

OMG, I bet his parents are freaking out. I pray this has a happy ending. :scared:
Me too! HLN just showed some video of the "aircraft".. I have no idea how they're going to be able to get the thing down.. It looks sort of like a big muffin with the top of it being full of helium and the bottom of it looks like where the little boy might be...

ETA: Live video: http://www.thedenverchannel.com/video/18205848/index.html

[BorderCollieMom]

On HLN and Fox Live !

OMG ! They are tracking it on radar !

[RayStar]

I hope I don't have a heart attack before they reach this child. I pray he is still alive.

[BorderCollieMom]

Oh no, Fox is saying he may not even be in there anymore :(

How are we gonna get this thing down?

[luvmyboys]

On HLN and Fox Live !

OMG ! They are tracking it on radar !

are they streaming it anywhere? I want to see.

[luvmyboys]

Oh no, Fox is saying he may not even be in there anymore :(

How are we gonna get this thing down?

collie, how did he get into the aircraft? like a plane?

[5boxersmom]

This is terrible.

Praying for him.

[WillowInFlight]

It's a hot air balloon, now at 6000 ft high

[Scampi]

OMG, I am praying for this little one. He's at 6000 feet really going fast, I hope they can snag him some way and bring him down safely.

[luvmyboys]

I hope I don't have a heart attack before they reach this child. I pray he is still alive.

where the heck were his parents as he got this thing going? he's only 6 for god sakes!:scared:

[BorderCollieMom]

Its on fox & was on hln.

Its an experimental thing his parents built or something.

that thing is moving FAST !!!

It can go 10 thousand feet !

[BorderCollieMom]

I have NEVER in my life seen anything like this ! That poor child. I sure pray he survives !

[annalyzer]

Oh no, Fox is saying he may not even be in there anymore :(

How are we gonna get this thing down?

dont' they know where a six year old is???

[n/t]

:scared:

His parents put him in there? WTH is wrong with them?

[WillowInFlight]

Oh lord they just said the balloon is losing helium.

[KatieLady]

where the heck were his parents as he got this thing going? he's only 6 for god sakes!:scared:

wondering the same thing! They are saying he untied the tethers

[BorderCollieMom]

Fox saying its at 2000 feet.
Denver shutting down airspace.

skydiver saying the boy could survive the elements today...apparently its not too cold up there ?


This "aircraft" is made of Mylar....literally.

[annalyzer]

i have video but no audio. where are you guys hearing reports?

[luvmyboys]

:scared:

His parents put him in there? WTH is wrong with them?

are you freaking kidding me, the parents did this? :scared: what in the heck is this world coming to!!!!

[5boxersmom]

Fox just said 2000 feet in the air. :crying:

[luvmyboys]

i have video but no audio. where are you guys hearing reports?

i have no audio either, i think theyre watching it on tv

[WillowInFlight]

i have video but no audio. where are you guys hearing reports?

I'm watching it on MSNBC

[BorderCollieMom]

dont' they know where a six year old is???

Everyone is pretty sure he's in there...

[BorderCollieMom]

i have no audio either, i think theyre watching it on tv

Its on most tv channels live...

[KatieLady]

Fox just said 2000 feet in the air. :crying:

Fox not showing it live anymore because they are afraid it is going to end badly :sad:

[BorderCollieMom]

collie, how did he get into the aircraft? like a plane?


It looks like a flying saucer on steroids !!

[n/t]

Here's a photo

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/

:scared:

[luvmyboys]

Fox not showing it live anymore because they are afraid it is going to end badly :sad:

there streaming it online still


http://www.thedenverchannel.com/video/18205848/index.html

www.foxnews.com

[BorderCollieMom]

I bet theres alot of UFO reports flooding in.

God , look out for this baby !!!

[n/t]

FORT COLLINS. Colo. - Authorities were scouring the skies Thursday for a 6-year-old boy who reportedly unhooked his family's experimental balloon-powered aircraft and floated away from home, sheriff's officials said.

The Larimer County Sheriff's Department said the boy's family had been building an experimental aircraft that had a large helium balloon attached to it at their home, KUSA-TV reported. The aircraft was approximately 20 feet by 5 feet and covered in tin foil, the station said.

On Thursday morning, according to the family and officials, the boy got onto the aircraft and detached the rope holding it in place. Sheriff's spokeswoman Eloise Campanella said the boy climbed into the access door and the airborne device took off.


Several people in the neighborhood said they saw the aircraft floating over their homes and some snapped pictures.

Officials were scrambling to figure out how to rescue the boy.

The craft, which is shaped like a flying saucer, has the potential to rise to 10,000 feet, Campanella said. Sheriff's officials last saw the device floating south of Milliken, which is about 40 miles north of Denver.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33330516/ns/us_news-life/

[KatieLady]

there streaming it online still


http://www.thedenverchannel.com/video/18205848/index.html

www.foxnews.com

Thank you luv!

[BorderCollieMom]

Per fox:

Boys brother said he crawled in there.

(didnt here how the tethers were cut or untied)

[Dunlurken]

there streaming it online still


http://www.thedenverchannel.com/video/18205848/index.html

www.foxnews.com

It's on HLN. Showing it live.

[5boxersmom]

Praying he gets down safely.

can't they send a helecopter up with a dude on the line to just go down & grab it like paratroopers do?

I don't know. I was telling my DH about it and he mentioned a Helicopter but I don't know if they could get inside of it.

:sad:

[debbadoo]

WTH is wrong with people? I pray that this little boy is OK and that things lands! :cursing:

[luvmyboys]

Thank you luv!

hey lady, it's me TBRITO!:thumbsup:

[Dunlurken]

Can they shoot the balloon and make it deflate slowly? I've done that with smaller helium balloons, stick a fork in them and they slowly deflate.

Hit it with some buckshot a few times. JMO.

[KatieLady]

hey lady, it's me TBRITO!:thumbsup:

Hey my old friend!!! So good to "see" you :wub:

[Dunlurken]

Look how fast that thing is going compared to the Horizon.....

Wonder if they could "hook" it somehow and pull it down?I don't know if they can get close enough via helicopter. Maybe some sharp shooters can get to it.

[5boxersmom]

there streaming it online still


http://www.thedenverchannel.com/video/18205848/index.html

www.foxnews.com

Looks like they can't find it.

[Scampi]

MSNBC is reporting the father may have known the boy was in the balloon as he tested it. The tethers then gave way, taking the boy up in the air.

[n/t]

This link has live video at the top. OMG!! That thing is going really fast. :ohmy:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/

[KatieLady]

Looks like they can't find it.

Thinking the same thing....the TV stations are showing it live

[ALL RISE]

Where is CPS...when you need them?!

Impossible....problem!

[Dunlurken]

That thing is travelling fast!

[WillowInFlight]

This link has live video at the top. OMG!! That thing is going really fast. :ohmy:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/

It sure is, poor thing has been up there for 2 hours.

[RayStar]

How do you contact the FAA and see if they can drop a net on it?

[flipflop]

Looks like they can't find it.

Thats what I noticed. Gosh, this is not good.

[KatieLady]

That thing is travelling fast!

They said 25 mps :scared:

[KatieLady]

How do you contact the FAA and see if they can drop a net on it?

FAA is already on it....I know they are clearing the air space

[Scampi]

The news helicopter is tracking the balloon and the Denver National Guard has sent up a helicopter according to MSNBC.

FAA is aware and monitoring.

[luvmyboys]

They said 25 mps :scared:

OMG this poor kids gonna land in afganistan for god sakes....oh i'm so pissed at those parents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cursing:

[5boxersmom]

Where is the boy located in that thing?

Is it possible for him to fall out?

Anyone know?

I think he is in the pod thing underneath the mushroom looking thing.

You know what I mean. :biggrin:

Still praying.

[n/t]

Is it faster than a helicopter? I wonder if a helicopter can reach it and try to maneuver it to safety. I don't know. :crying:

[KatieLady]

Where is the boy located in that thing?

Is it possible for him to fall out?

Anyone know?

I don't know....I am wondering about downtown Denver....with the tall buildings if he gets to low

[WillowInFlight]

Is it faster than a helicopter? I wonder if a helicopter can reach it and try to maneuver it to safety. I don't know. :crying:

They said if a helicopter tries to go underneath the balloon, the balloon will get sucked in.

[Scampi]

Where is the boy located in that thing?

Is it possible for him to fall out?

Anyone know?

He's got to be in the " basket" below the collapsing balloon, imo. Lester Holt reporting the balloon is now 4000 feet above the ground and travelling at 15 mph.

[debbadoo]

Is it faster than a helicopter? I wonder if a helicopter can reach it and try to maneuver it to safety. I don't know. :crying:

I waas thinking the same sort of thing, but with the blades on a helicopter and the lightness of the "aircraft" (for lack of a better term) I think it would be somewhat dangerous to try it with a helicopter. If it is filled with helium, it will eventually lose helium, I would think and start to lower itself. If you think of a helium balloon, they stay afloat for so long before losing helium. I just hope this thing doesn't get hit by a bird or something and it pops or something. Wow.....what a crazy story this is!

[n/t]

They said if a helicopter tries to go underneath the balloon, the balloon will get sucked in.

ok thanks. *sigh*

[KatieLady]

Good Lord!

If it was tethered, then are there still ropes hanging from it?

Oh, they are talking about venting it to land it now......

I bet he is terrified!!!!

Yes you can see it hanging from the top of the "mushroom"

[BettyC]

This is so frightening. Here's live streaming of the hot air balloon.

http://cfnews13.com/Features/Video/Default.aspx

[luvmyboys]

Yes you can see it hanging from the top of the "mushroom"

does anyone know what State he's in now?

omg omg they think the boy's already fallen off

[BorderCollieMom]

I STILL cant believe what Im watching !

[KatieLady]

does anyone know what State he's in now?

Still in Co I believe

[luvmyboys]

i still cant believe what im watching !

omg they think the boy's already fallen off

[Scampi]

You can see at least two ropes hanging from it.

[5boxersmom]

does anyone know what State he's in now?

Still in CO. Said he is moving from County to County. Fox just said he is in Brighton. Does that sound right?

[BettyC]

A reporter says he's down to about 9,000 ft right now.

That thing is really moving fast isn't it?

[BettyC]

You can see at least two ropes hanging from it.

What source are you watching Scamp?

[BorderCollieMom]

I wonder how far, like how many miles will it possibly go ? Which way is it headed ? SouthEast ?

[BorderCollieMom]

News presser....

compartment is small, very small.

[luvmyboys]

what source are you watching scamp?

fox reported that a sibling say he feel outta of the balloon

[KatieLady]

What source are you watching Scamp?

Not Scampi but....

http://interactive.foxnews.com/livestream/live.html?chanId=4

and MSNBC on the tv

[annalyzer]

msnbc said the balloon is descending and he is in the balloon

[BorderCollieMom]

family said it was never meant to fly in.

say what???????????????????

[KatieLady]

It looks like it is collapsing :scared:

[luvmyboys]

msnbc said the balloon is descending and he is in the balloon

presser on now on cnn

[luvmyboys]

it looks like it is collapsing :scared:

yes it does

[BettyC]

Not Scampi but....

http://interactive.foxnews.com/livestream/live.html?chanId=4

and MSNBC on the tv

Thanks Katie - I don't know if I can continue to watch. If it hits something, it will be awful.

[Scampi]

Now the Denver reporter is saying the little boy got in the compartment under the balloon and it lifted off, per the brother and the parents were in the house at the time. Parents are named Haney.
She also reported the parents said the compartment is not attached very well to the balloon.

Little boys name is Falcon Haney. :unsure:

[Dunlurken]

It's running out of air. Deflating.

[BettyC]

6,500 ft. OMG

[KatieLady]

Now the Denver reporter is saying the little boy got in the compartment under the balloon and it lifted off, per the brother and the parents were in the house at the time. Parents are named Haney.
She also reported the parents said the compartment is not attached very well to the balloon.

Little boys name is Falcon Haney. :unsure:

...and that the Dad is a storm chaser

[5boxersmom]

It's running out of air. Deflating.

Looks like it. :sad:

[luvmyboys]

looks like it. :sad:

looks like it's getting close to the ground doesnt it?

[airportwoman]

Fox not showing it live anymore because they are afraid it is going to end badly :sad:

CNN is doing the same thing.

Kids can get into mischief faster than anyone can blink.

[Marcia3]

If I keep watching this live feed, I'm going to be sick.

I just keep imaginaging my grandson being in that thing...if it ends badly, I hope this little guy has passed out by now.

[KatieLady]

Life flight on the way
20 miles south east of Denver Airport

[debbadoo]

omg they think the boy's already fallen off

Oh, sweet Jesus. I HOPE they are wrong! I really do! That poor little boy! If he did fall out how on EARTH will they find him? That thing is really moving fast! :sad:

[5boxersmom]

Geez I thought it was going to crash into that Helicopter.

[logbump]

6,500 ft. OMG
Don't forget to subtract the Denver elevation 5,000 ft

[KatieLady]

Makes me air sick watching it...and I don't get air sick. Poor little guy :sad:

[5boxersmom]

Saying they can't put a Helicopter above it because the blades will suck it up into the copter.

What are they going to do? :sad:

[KatieLady]

Saying they can't put a Helicopter above it because the blades will suck it up into the copter.

What are they going to do? :sad:

Someone suggested putting fire retardant on it to make it heavier

[BettyC]

HLN says there is a "report" that he fell out awhile back, but absolutely no confirmation of that. It's just something they are investigating.

[Dunlurken]

12 miles north of Denver.

[RayStar]

What about skydivers? I am losing it.

[Justice4all]

HLN says there is a "report" that he fell out awhile back, but absolutely no confirmation of that. It's just something they are investigating.

OMG i hope it's not true :crying:

[5boxersmom]

HLN says there is a "report" that he fell out awhile back, but absolutely no confirmation of that. It's just something they are investigating.

Oh man I hope not.

[KatieLady]

OMG i hope it's not true :crying:

MSNBC had some sort of official on saying that he is in it...who knows???

[RayStar]

HLN says there is a "report" that he fell out awhile back, but absolutely no confirmation of that. It's just something they are investigating.
I hope he has not fallen out. Let's wait for confirmation.

[BorderCollieMom]

I just PM's CW to merge the 2 threads, this one & the one on Breaking News.

[Scampi]

I refuse to believe Falcon won't get down safely. I don't know how, I'm leaving that up to God.

[KatieLady]

National Guard launching a helicopter

[BettyC]

they're saying it's about 1000 ft off the ground now.

[RayStar]

MSNBC had some sort of official on saying that he is in it...who knows???

I'm listening/watching to MSNBC on the TV I did not hear this? Let's wait for confirmation.

[KatieLady]

I'm listening/watching to MSNBC on the TV I did not hear this? Let's wait for confirmation.

It was a woman....she gave the family name and talked about how the family was doing

[5boxersmom]

Did it go down? I see an ambulance.

Feed is showing the ground.

[n/t]

The weather dude says from what he can gather, the winds at his level are 30 mph.

Imagine the things that are going through this child's mind.

He's probably passed out by now, if even still alive. It's down to 1000 ft. now. per MSNBC

It was at 5000 only minutes go. :crying:

[BettyC]

Move over, Scampi, I am with you!!!

Oh I'm with you too. Just reporting as I'm hearing it.


I wish someone could explain to me how they do this live tracking. I never understood it during car chases either. (Not now - later)

[BorderCollieMom]

Someone suggested putting fire retardant on it to make it heavier

Someone else suggested throwing a net over it.

[emdragon]

Move over, Scampi, I am with you!!!

His name is Falcon for goodness sake that has to be a good omen! (and a bit ironic as well) Falcon Flies!

[KatieLady]

Did it go down? I see an ambulance.

Feed is showing the ground.

Don't know? Maybe following it to be close when it does?

[BorderCollieMom]

Did it go down? I see an ambulance.

Feed is showing the ground.


Ground people are just going everywhere possible I think.

[happy2bme]

I refuse to believe Falcon won't get down safely. I don't know how, I'm leaving that up to God.


ITA!

This is so scary.

[5boxersmom]

Don't know? Maybe following it to be close when it does?

OK it is still in the air. I think you are right they are tracking it.

Praying so hard for Falcon.

[KatieLady]

NG talking about lowering a man down to the balloon

[BorderCollieMom]

Per Fox....That thing "could" stay up there for hours or even days. :scared:

[lune3]

The stream I'm watching, he said this thing went up to 15000 feet. I'm so afraid for this boy....at that height you can get edema...Oh God

[emdragon]

He's probably passed out by now, if even still alive. It's down to 1000 ft. now. per MSNBC

It was at 5000 only minutes go. :crying:

No they have said he isn't high enough to effect oxygen

[KatieLady]

Now at 500 ft

[VC2]

OMG, I am praying for this little one. He's at 6000 feet really going fast, I hope they can snag him some way and bring him down safely.

me too..this is terrible. CNN is covering it live and my heart is in my throat. How can a helicopter get it quickly but safely, rotors would destroy it.

jesus...neighbor says the family is great. whew its only 900 feet above the ground now. but its whipping along

[WillowInFlight]

It has dropped to 500 ft.

[BettyC]

Now 500 ft.

HLN now saying the family was featured on a recent wife swap show.

[KatieLady]

Boy...getting flatter and flatter :sad:

[BorderCollieMom]

OK, so what channel has a good feed, with no illusions ?

[VC2]

I'm listening/watching to MSNBC on the TV I did not hear this? Let's wait for confirmation.

I sure hope he is still in it. fyi cnn just had a little tidbit, he and the family were featured in wife swap.

oh god......

[BettyC]

OK, so what channel has a good feed, with no illusions ?

HLN and MSNBC

[Scampi]

Breaking news on CNN Sheriff is concerned that Falcon may have already fallen from the craft.

[KatieLady]

OK, so what channel has a good feed, with no illusions ?

MSNBC.....now on delay :sad:

[Brattnt]

Hes down!....

[BorderCollieMom]

Yes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[VC2]

On the ground~! now lets hope he is in it

[lune3]

100 feet!!

[5boxersmom]

Soft landing. Please let him be ok.

[emdragon]

Got him! :)

[n/t]

It just landed in a field :rose:

[Anakerie]

It's on the ground! Don't see the boy though..........

[WillowInFlight]

It has just landed, perfect landing too. they are looking for the child now.

[BettyC]

They don't look like they're taking anyone out .

[KatieLady]

landed in field...ppl there

[BorderCollieMom]

What are they doing ?

[VC2]

ummm they havent opened it yet.... this is scary

[Scampi]

Where is Falcon????

[Pierre]

they dont think hes in it. Not telling us.

[5boxersmom]

Where is he?

[Justice4all]

OMG where is Falcon :crying:

[Katprint]

If the boy is OK, I hope a rescuer gives the "thumbs-up" to the cameras, so we can all rest easy.

[KaraokeDiva]

It's down...but where is the kid??

[emdragon]

Oh no. they are pushing the copters back.

[KatieLady]

they aren't even looking wth!

[5boxersmom]

This is not good. :sad::sad:

[BettyC]

None of these rescuers are acting as if there is a child in there. No hurry involved, etc.

No one is in the balloon according to HLN!!

[VC2]

i dont think he is in it, they deflated it, tumbled the thing around

just on msnbc compartment is empty :crying:

[KatieLady]

no one it it per MSNBC :scared:

[BorderCollieMom]

msnbc: boy isnt on/in the balloon.

[n/t]

It doesn't look like he's in there. :crying:

[incidentally]

empty. :crying:

[Pierre]

Hes not in there :( jeez

[WillowInFlight]

Balloon is empty, they are saying this might have been a hoax by the family.

[Justice4all]

I think HLN had it right when they said Falcon fell out :crying:

[Katprint]

He's not in there! He fell out somewhere along the way?

[lune3]

Oh dear God, he isn't in there.

[Justice4all]

The family was on the reality show "wife swap"

[5boxersmom]

Oh gosh. Where is he?

[VC2]

Where is Falcon????

I feel sick. Someone suggested a hoax and i don't think so.

im crying so hard. Bottom was made of cardboard and a cardboard door. oh god

[emdragon]

The family was on the reality show "wife swap"


OMG that Weather chaseing family!!!

[BettyC]

Now the wait is on to see just where he fell out. I hope someone finds him quickly.

[Dogmatic]

One million prayers for that little guy.

[RayStar]

OK now where is he? We now have confirmation he is not inside the balloon.

[Scampi]

HLN reporting the Haney family were on the reality show Wife Swap.

One of the rescuers is reporting there was a compartment and the gondola was made out of cardboard.

[Tia]

This is terrible.

[5boxersmom]

I hope his is hiding somewhere because he is scared he let the balloon go.

[VC2]

I think HLN had it right when they said Falcon fell out :crying:

I hope they get back to where the presumed sighting of him falling out was ASAP. miracles can happen, but they need to move fast.

[BorderCollieMom]

The family was on the reality show "wife swap"

Really ? I pray he didnt fall out. I hope he is scared he's gonna get into trouble and he's hiding somewhere.

[lune3]

Did helicopters start following immediately? You'd think somebody saw him fall out.
Could he have fallen out very soon? VERY soon, and be ok? Hoping for a miracle.

[BorderCollieMom]

I hope they get back to where the presumed sighting of him falling out was ASAP. miracles can happen, but they need to move fast.

Lerrimer ? County sheriff got a call that someone saw something fall out over some homes....they are heading that way.

per Fox

[Destini]

This is unreal ... I am so praying he is okay!!

[Justice4all]

I've been on my knees praying this child is hiding at home somewhere afraid his daddy is going to switch his hiney. :crying:

Please Lord.

I'm flipping from FOX to HLN and Shepard Smith feels the same way that Falcon might be hiding somewhere thinking he's in trouble for making the thing take off.

[KatieLady]

Absolutely.
The bottom of the balloon is made of cardboard. I dont know if that could even hold a little child.

You could see that the bottom was still attached tho :confused:

[VC2]

I've been on my knees praying this child is hiding at home somewhere afraid his daddy is going to switch his hiney. :crying:

Please Lord.

they searched the home, i also don't see his brother lying about him getting in, it is a totally typical thing for a curious 6 year old to do.

[BorderCollieMom]

I'm flipping from FOX to HLN and Shepard Smith feels the same way that Falcon might be hiding somewhere thinking he's in trouble for making the thing take off.

I had to change from FOX...Sheperd was making too many jokes for me.

[Destini]

You could see that the bottom was still attached tho :confused:

I'm thinking (hoping) that if the bottom had been breached in some way the rescuers there would have noticed & we'd know that by now. I just pray it's all a hoax or he got out immediately!

[Justice4all]

Lerrimer ? County sheriff got a call that someone saw something fall out over some homes....they are heading that way.

per Fox

this is such a strange and sad story

[5boxersmom]

Info, pictures and video of the boys and parents.

Still praying for Falcon

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/15/falcon-heene-balloon-boy_n_322736.html

[KatieLady]

I have heard them saying that there could have been another part to it.

Just heard that. Talking about the family now...strange :scared:

Have to go get my flu shot....BBL

[BorderCollieMom]

I have heard them saying that there could have been another part to it.


The on scene repporter for MSNBC was trying to explain what was seeing...I didnt quiet get what he was saying...but he sounded like that there was a part missing or something.

[VC2]

I'm flipping from FOX to HLN and Shepard Smith feels the same way that Falcon might be hiding somewhere thinking he's in trouble for making the thing take off.

i think that people are hoping because of the alternative. MSNBC just infuriated, talking about how they are some sort of mad scientists and even believe in psychics so even tho there is no evidence its not all completely true "it might not be" :thumbdown:

[Justice4all]

did i just see yellow crime tape around the balloon? :scared:

[BorderCollieMom]

People are saying the family ... ummmm... wierd ? This story is just unbelievable.

[VC2]

I had to change from FOX...Sheperd was making too many jokes for me.

msnbc is attacking the family and i had to change from that.

this is an outrage. Wait until they find him alive or dead before this.

[GentleBreeze]

Absolutely.
The bottom of the balloon is made of cardboard. I don't know if that could even hold a little child.


The bottom is made of plywood not cardboard. I think he was overcome by the helium and fell out.

imo

[WillowInFlight]

msnbc is attacking the family and i had to change from that.

this is an outrage. Wait until they find him alive or dead before this.

Exactly, so what if they were storm chasers and believe in psychics? These reporters drive me nuts. They are all about finding the negative.

[GentleBreeze]

did i just see yellow crime tape around the balloon? :scared:

Yes, they would automatically do that until they find the boy.

imo

[HouseOfClark]

The bottom is made of plywood not cardboard. I think he was overcome by the helium and fell out.

imo

Could have been. For that reason alone (and the lack of oxygen), if he had been in there he wouldn't have survived, IMO.

[VC2]

People are saying the family ... ummmm... wierd ? This story is just unbelievable.

it sure is bc i dont care how different their scientific beliefs are, a little boy apparently got into that thing and it took off. THere is nothing to show they are not great parents and until then i think all the "weird" comments by the media are disgusting.

Someone reported seeing a child fall out. Thats what is worrying me and yet they haven't mentioned that again..just how weird the family is. grrr

[GentleBreeze]

Exactly, so what if they were storm chasers and believe in psychics? These reporters drive me nuts. They are all about finding the negative.


Me too I am so glad Sheppard is being very respectful and it is all about the concern for the little boy.

imo

[VC2]

The bottom is made of plywood not cardboard. I think he was overcome by the helium and fell out.

imo

I do too :( god they look like such a great family

[Justice4all]

family not sure what Falcon was wearing...... Per MSNBC

now that's strange if you ask me.

[happy2bme]

Have they said how far the aircraft actually traveled?

[Lavinya]

I remember that family from Wife Swap. An accident waiting to happen, IMO.

[WillowInFlight]

Me too I am so glad Sheppard is being very respectful and it is all about the concern for the little boy.

imo

I had to switch off MSNBC, They are making a big deal about them being on WS and the way they live their lives.

[emdragon]

I do too :( god they look like such a great family

I saw the episode and the kids enjoyed what they did.

Ironic (main theme in this story) the swap was with a "safety" obsessed family.

[BorderCollieMom]

msnbc is attacking the family and i had to change from that.

this is an outrage. Wait until they find him alive or dead before this.

Most of the stations are bringing up things about the family. All known from being on Wife Swap.
One of their best friends just said something about being a connection to genius & insanity.


Correct Spelling of names.

Richard and Mayumi Heene

[VC2]

The 'door' did not lock.
Fort Collins LE searching a subdivision because someone saw something 'fall out'.
Per Fox

if the door didn't lock then i don't feel much hope..unless he fell out at a low height. It would have been darned cold up there, little hands that were trying to hold on may simply not have been able to.

:crying:

[GentleBreeze]

I do too :( god they look like such a great family

My heart is just breaking.........what an adorable little boy.

I pray they find him alive but I have a sinking feeling he is not okay.:crying:

[BorderCollieMom]

Have they said how far the aircraft actually traveled?


I havnt heard.

[tootie]

I want to know how long and far that thing was in the air before the copter caught up with it?

Wouldn't that area be the one being searched (also, the reported area of seeing something fall out).

That is exactly what I was going to ask. Does anyone know how many miles the balloon flew?

[BorderCollieMom]

That is exactly what I was going to ask. Does anyone know how many miles the balloon flew?

Not sure on mileage...but didnt they say it was up in the air for 2 hours ?

[5boxersmom]

Fox just said "according to their math" that balloon and the amount of helium could NOT have lifted this child.

WHAT?

WHAT is right. I will say it was smaller then I thought when it landed. Could this be a hoax?

jmo

[BorderCollieMom]

Fox just said "according to their math" that balloon and the amount of helium could NOT have lifted this child.

WHAT?

Who did the math ? A professional Helium balloon man ?

[desmom]

Have they said how far the aircraft actually traveled?

HLN is reporting approximately 75 miles.

[tootie]

WHAT is right. I will say it was smaller then I thought when it landed. Could this be a hoax?

jmo

I hope it is a hoax and the kid is alright. But somehow I don't think that it is a hoax.

[VC2]

Wow.

On Fox they are doing the math to see if the amount of helium in the balloon could have even lifted a 50 pound child from the ground.

They are talking about the flight path, now.

How do they know the exact weight of the child or the exact amount of helium?

[BorderCollieMom]

WHAT is right. I will say it was smaller then I thought when it landed. Could this be a hoax?

jmo

Ya know....When this first came on HLN, there were several folks saying this may be a hoax...then it was on every channel and nothing else was ever mentioned about it possibly being a hoax.

[GentleBreeze]

Ok if he fell out, and I am hoping that did not happen, but wouldn't the door be swinging back and forth when the balloon was in the air? Or would the wind slam it shut again?

imo

[Zeep]

The bottom is made of plywood not cardboard. I think he was overcome by the helium and fell out.

imo


MSNBC is reporting something being made of cardboard. A basket? not sure.

[lune3]

I hope it is a hoax and the kid is alright. But somehow I don't think that it is a hoax.

I'm hoping this is a horrible misunderstanding where the brother didn't see correctly. I hope little Falcon is hiding out for whatever reason, or that he fell out as soon as the thing lifted and has a concussion, hidden somewhere.Grasping for straws here.

[BorderCollieMom]

Ok if he fell out, and I am hoping that did not happen, but wouldn't the door be swinging back and forth when the balloon was in the air? Or would the wind slam it shut again?

imo


The reporter on the scene when it landed, said the "door" was cardboard and there was a peg missing. The cavity he crawled in was made of cheap lightweight plywood and part of it was no longer connected.

[VC2]

balloon expert on msnbc just said that as it goes higher, the points of the construction would expand due to pressure like where things are taped together.

Said can quickly reach a high speed headed upwards with the numbers he has. :(

[WillowInFlight]

Now saying if he fell off it could have been in the first 10 minutes of the flight.

[WillowInFlight]

Michael Boyd on Fox just said he feels 80 percent that the child was never in the balloon and that Falcon may be hiding.

[BorderCollieMom]

CNN reporting authorities saying the balloon basket was never breached.

[VC2]

Michael Boyd on Fox just said he feels 80 percent that the child was never in the balloon and that Falcon may be hiding.

He has not seen how it flew the first hour of the flight. WHich is when he would have likely fallen out

[BorderCollieMom]

Do you think Falcon is sooo scared he is HIDING!!!??? OMG..my DS said...if I did that and let dad's balloon go free..I would hide fOREVER!!!!

We do not build balloons BYW..just making it clear!

Theyve been searching the ground since he went missing. I think we all hope he is hiding.

[desmom]

LE talking to reports @ http://www.thedenverchannel.com/video/18205848/index.html

said they are organizing a ground search, bringing in as many searchers as they can, balloon traveled through 2 counties

6 years old, wearing dark blue shirt, jeans, 3' tall, dark hair.

Reporter asking if the little boy could have set off the balloon accidentally and is in hiding - LE said it is a possibility.

Family is devastated.

jmo

[Katprint]

How do they know the exact weight of the child or the exact amount of helium?
Obviously they are approximating, but if they know the size of the balloon then they can figure out how much helium, and there are tables for figuring out how much lift is given by a certain quantity of helium. Normally those tables are used for advertising blimps like you see over automobile dealerships (for example). They will rent a 20 foot advertising blimp and then they have to order a certain quantity of helium to inflate that blimp, and the helium can lift the weight of the blimp fabric plus a banner weighing a certain number of pounds.

And I have a six year old - almost seven - who weighs about 55 pounds, so 50 pounds is probably a good approximation for the child's weight.

However, the lift of the helium is probably less relevant than the surface area of the balloon, given the high winds we saw. The balloon may have become a kite more than a blimp.

[VC2]

craig Kennedy, Balloon expert on CNN felt he was in there

[WillowInFlight]

He has not seen how it flew the first hour of the flight. WHich is when he would have likely fallen out

Cameras were on the balloon the whole time EXCEPT for the first 10 minutes according to FOX news.

[desmom]

HLN is reporting approximately 75 miles.

Now they are reporting 50 miles.

[scout]

Why did this balloon have helium in it if it was a work in progress?

[Snoopy50]

Michael Boyd on Fox just said he feels 80 percent that the child was never in the balloon and that Falcon may be hiding.

Hi Willow!
This story is so scary, I sure hope this little guy is okay. Our oldest grandson is close to Falcon's age so I asked him what he thought....he responded that if he was responsible for letting the balloon go and wasn't inside it, he would be hiding forever. HIS father is such a gentle soul so he isn't saying this out of fear. Kids do strange things at this age. Hoping he is indeed hiding....

[BorderCollieMom]

Federal Aviation Medical Examiner is on Fox.

[Anakerie]

Why did this balloon have helium in it if it was a work in progress?
Early reports said they were testing the balloon, then dad went inside the house.. brother followed into the house and told parents that the balloon had taken off with the little one inside.

[BorderCollieMom]

Is there an official Amber Alert out ?

If ever there was a time to blow off the stupid rules of the AA, NOW is the time to do it !

[jewel6]

My teenager said he is probally hiding. hes scared. I hope so! :sad:

[VC2]

MSNBC said LE searched the house immediately after hearing about the missing balloon. Where could Falcon be hiding?
What exactly did it take to get this thing off the ground?
Could the boy even of done that by himself?

if it had enough helium in it (and apparently it had deflated due to pressure from the high altitude by the time we started to see it) and was tethered...i can see this:

Curious energetic little boy says "i am going to go fly!" and undoes the ropes..they probably were pegged its the way i see balloons tethered all the time so he just had to pull them out and then crawl in :(

Brian jones on msnbc says that bc it was not meant to be manned it had very high lift capacity rather than the normal balance. THat as it changes shape, it puts stress on the attachments points.

[desmom]

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/video/18205848/index.html broadcasting live. They just reported
http://www.airlifedenver.com/ has been called in to help.

They also reported there was something originally attached to the bottom of the balloon that was not there when the balloon launched - my note - it sounded like it was some type of box on the "stem" portion of the mushroom shaped balloon. jmo

ETA ~ the live stream just confirmed the stem on the mushroom shape balloon is the basket.

[Anakerie]

Where was this said???
I've been watching HLN since the beginning of the story, plus watching for updates from the two stations I linked in the opening posts... One of the stations, channel 4 is also on twitter, so it could have been reported in any of the 4 places... I have no link.

[Amy S.]

I am not certain that there was even an opening to crawl in. If he did, his brother would have had to untie the ballon.

Is this a spoof?

The family was on Wife Swap and is known for publicity type things.

[lune3]

They should use some bullhorns, call out and tell the child he is not in trouble...just hoping he is hiding.
I have a bad feeling though, he would have been found by now if he's hiding.

[cog1]

They haven't found him yet?

I came here knowing everyone would be following this.

Hope he is hiding and they find him soon!

Don't think little boys can't stay hidden for long periods of time cause they sure can. Mine at the ripe old age of 2 hid in a cabinet in my kitchen while I called and called for him and searched everywhere even calling for help. Finally found him in the cabinet and he had slept through it all.

[tootie]

I would think the parents would be very upset and their reactions to this would be very telling. I don't think this is a publicity stunt but I could be wrong.

[scout]

This story is not making sense. If he really was inside of some box or basket, someone else would have had to untie the tether lines. I'm skeptical of the entire thing.

[Justice4all]

This story is not making sense. If he really was inside of some box or basket, someone else would have had to untie the tether lines. I'm skeptical of the entire thing.

yeah something just doesn't seem right about this whole story.

[?noanswer]

I hope the brothers didn't have anything to do with this. I just wonder how the child could have undone the tethers (I saw 2) and then get into the balloon before it became air borne. JMO

[KatieLady]

Just got back....I see they still haven't found him :sad: